Sweeten National Milk Chocolate Day Tuesday, July 28 with Milk Chocolate Pudding from Luella’s Southern Kitchen

Milk Chocolate Bread Pudding ($6)
Photo credit: Cindy Kurman, Kurman Communications, Inc.

Craving some sweet, melt-in-your-mouth milk chocolate? If the answer is “yes,” then we have some good news for you! Tuesday, July 28 is National Milk Chocolate Day, and what better way to satisfy your milk chocolate craving than with a heavenly serving of Milk Chocolate Bread Pudding at Luella’s Southern Kitchen (4609 N. Lincoln Ave.; 773-961-8196). Add a performance of contemporary jazz from guitar wiz Lee Alec Barrie from 6:30 – 8:30 p.m. and you have quite the Tuesday night party!

Not only is Luella’s Milk Chocolate Bread Pudding ($6) handcrafted by Owner/Chef Darnell Reed himself, but it is served with a scrumptious strawberry jam anglaise and homemade praline ice cream. Chef Reed knows just what it takes to make this bread pudding melt in your mouth, just like any piece of milk chocolate would. The Milk Chocolate Bread Pudding is usually served during brunch, but Chef Reed is making an exception for the holiday and will be offering it all day on Tuesday, July 28.

What makes milk chocolate special is the addition of one of the following: liquid milk, milk power, or condensed milk. One of the most closely-guarded milk chocolate recipes belongs to Hershey’s, but Luella’s ingredients are no secret. To find out what makes their Milk Chocolate Pudding so delicious, head over to Luella’s Southern Kitchen and have a taste for yourself!
 

About Chef Reed

Darnell Reed is a graduate of Washburne Culinary Institute in Chicago. He began his professional career in 1997 at the Palmer House Hilton where he served as Restaurant Chef at the French Quarter and the Big Downtown. In 2005, he was promoted to Executive Sous Chef at the Embassy Suites Chicago Lakefront where he handled banquet functions for up to 700 people. In April 2007, Reed was promoted to the dual Executive Chef position at the Hilton of Oakbrook and Hilton Garden Inn of Oakbrook. In May of 2010, he accepted the Executive Sous Chef position at the Conrad Chicago Hotel and was promoted to Executive Chef in 2011.

About Luella’s Southern Kitchen

Luella’s Southern Kitchen, located at 4609 N. Lincoln Ave. in Chicago’s Lincoln Square, is a casual independent restaurant owned by Chef Darnell Reed. The restaurant opened February 3, 2015. Luella’s serves lunch and dinner Tuesday through Friday from 11:30 a.m. to 10 p.m. Weekend brunch is served from 10 a.m. to 

3 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday; dinner is served until 10 p.m. on Saturday and 8 p.m. on Sunday. All major cards are accepted. Luella’s is a BYOB establishment; no corkage fee is charged. Takeout and delivery service are available. For more information, call the restaurant at (773) 961-8196 or visit the website at www.luellassouthernkitchen.com.

About Lee Alec Barrie

Lee Alec Barrie is an accomplished contemporary jazz guitarist and guitarist synthesist who has been setting the mood for audiences for years with his creative mix of contemporary jazz, smooth jazz radio hits, instrumental pop and romantic bossa nova, backed by fully arranged recorded accompaniments. 

Michelin Announces Chicago's 2015 Star Ratings; Grace joins Alinea with Three Stars; 42 grams Earns 2 Stars

Michelin announced its Chicago 2015 star ratings this afternoon. Congratulations to  Grace (652 West Randolph Street, Chicago) which now has three stars, joining Alinea in Michelin's elite group of  highest rated restaurants here. Alinea has held the honor for five straight years (ever since Michelin started rating Chicago restaurants.)

Of note, only 115 restaurants of the more than 20,000 that Michelin rates in 23 countries currently have that distinction.

Also noteable, 18-seat BYOB Uptown restaurant 42 Grams (4662 N. Broadway, Chicago), earned two stars for its creative and inventive food.

L2O, which is closing at the end of the year, also maintained its two stars rating since the guide went to press before they announced their closing. 

Last week, Michelin announced its Bib Gourmand winners for Chicago. The winners can be found here: http://www.michelintravel.com/michelin-reveals-chicagos-2015-bib-gourmands/

Here’s Michelin Guide's full list of 2015 starred selections for Chicago. If you were rating, how would you vote?

Three Stars:
• Alinea
• Grace (upgraded)
Two Stars:
• 42 grams (new)
• L2O (closing later in 2014)
• Sixteen
One Star:
• Acadia
• Blackbird
• Boka
• EL Ideas
• Elizabeth
• Everest
• Goosefoot
• The Lobby
• Longman & Eagle
• Moto
• NAHA
• North Pond
• Schwa
• Senza
• Sepia
• Spiagga
• Takashi
• Topolobampo
• Tru

Blackfinn Ameripub Summer Fest Helps Big Brothers Big Sisters Through August 10

Searching for something fun to do this summer? Look no further!  Blackfinn Ameripub (65 W Kinzie

St, Chicago, IL 60654 (312) 836-0290) is hosting Summer Fest @ the FINN now through August 10 to benefit Big Brothers Big Sisters.

The national campaign provides a special Summer Menu where $1 from each featured food item—and 100% of limited edition drinkware —will be donated to BBBS at the end of the summer.  Guests will even have the option to donate at the bottom of their receipts, if they’d like to make a gift on the spot! 

When you stop by, make sure to tweet (@BfinnAmeripub and @BfinnRiverNorth) and share your experience! 

About BlackFinn Ameripub
Blackfinn Ameripub was born to be a whole new generation of the classic American pub, a lively restaurant and bar that offers the affordable, craveable American food our guests want to eat. Guests are served by our great people in a high-energy atmosphere, alongside an extensive list of craft beers and signature cocktails.

They are the perfect place for friends, family and business patrons to meet for lunch, dinner, happy hour, game day, late night and community gatherings. They have locations in: Austin, TX Charlotte, NC Chicago, IL Jacksonville, FL Merrifield, VA Morrisville, NC (Coming Soon), Mt. Prospect, IL Royal Oak, MI Washington, DC.

About Big Brothers Big Sisters
Big Brothers Big Sisters, the nation’s largest donor and volunteer supported mentoring network, holds itself accountable for children in its program to achieve measurable outcomes such as educational success, avoidance of risky behaviors, higher aspirations, greater confidence and better relationships. Partnering with parents/guardians, schools, corporations and others in the community, Big Brothers Big Sisters carefully pairs children ("Littles") with screened volunteer mentors ("Bigs") and monitors and supports these one-to-one mentoring matches throughout their course. The Big Brothers Big Sisters Youth Outcomes Survey substantiates that its mentoring programs have proven, positive academic, socio-emotional and behavioral outcomes for youth, areas linked to high school graduation, avoidance of juvenile delinquency and college or job readiness.

Big Brothers Big Sisters provides children facing adversity, often those of single or low-income households or families where a parent is incarcerated or serving in the military, with strong and enduring, professionally supported one-to-one mentoring relationships that change their lives for the better, forever. This mission has been the cornerstone of the organization’s 110 year history. With nearly 340 agencies across the country, Big Brothers Big Sisters serves approximately 200,000 children, their families and 200,000 volunteer mentors. Learn more at www.BigBrothersBigSisters.org.

Mother's Day Dinner at Oceanique will be an Elegant, Amazing Experience for Food Loving Mothers

               

 

   

Oceanique

 505 Main Street, Evanston, IL 60201
(847) 864-3435
www.oceanique.com
 
Oceanique, one of Chicago's finest French American restaurants, is usually closed on Sundays, but for this Mother's Day, the restaurant will be open and ready to celebrate in grand style, serving dinner from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. on Sunday, May 11.

Oceanique continues to garner acclaim as one of the Chicago area's best restaurants and is a popular North Shore dining destination. Oceanique recently redesigned and renovated the space, giving it a bright contemporary look and providing exceptional comfort. Since 1993, Oceanique has been ranked as the number one seafood restaurant in the Chicago metropolitan area by the prestigious Zagat Guide. It also has one of the finest wine lists, having earned the "Best of" designation from Wine Spectator, which is given only to the finest 750 wine lists in the world.

Your Mother's Day celebration will be an exciting culinary journey led by chef/owner Mark Grosz. In addition to the exceptional a la carte menu, there will be a seven-course tasting menu ($105 per person), available with or without wine pairings:

 

First Course
Wild Maine Lobster 
Bufala Mozzarella     Favas    Avocado

Second Course
Wild Maine Day Boat Scallops
Lobster-Soy Broth        White Boy Kimchi        Cilantro
   
Third Course
Butternut Squash Ravioli
Walnuts    Prosciutto      Crispy Sage

Fourth Course
Wild Norwegian Cod
Pea Tips      Fennel      Porto

Fifth Course
Seasonal Sorbet

Sixth Course
Hudson Valley Duck Confit
Foie Gras        Red Cabbage      Spaetzle
      
Seventh Course
Chef's Pastry Selection 

Oceanique in Evanston to Host Marimar Estate Wine Dinner, January 31

Oceanique restaurant in Evanston, Ill. (505 Main Street; telephone 847-864-3435; website: www.oceanique.com) will host a special six-course Wine Dinner Friday, January 31, 2014, featuring the award winning wines of Marimar Estate in Sonoma County. The special guest for the evening is Marimar Torres from Marimar Estate. The price is $120 per person, excluding tax and gratuity. The dinner begins at 6:30 p.m. For the Marimar Estate Wine Dinner, Oceanique's Chef de Cuisine and owner, Mark Grosz, has prepared an exceptional six course menu. The first course features Lightly Smoked Salmon with Horseradish Crème Fraîche Cucumber Mint Tarragon. The first course is paired with 2012 "Acereo" Chardonnay, from Marimar's Don Miguel Vineyard in the Russian River Valley. The second course presents Manila Clams Pork Belly with Piquillo Peppers and Spanish Onion, paired with 2010 "La Masia" Chardonnay from Don Miguel Vineyard. The third course is Oeufs Meurette, paired with 2009 "La Masia" Pinot Noir from Don Miguel Vineyard. For the fourth course, Chef Grosz will prepare Roasted Squab with Foie Gras Renee's Cabbage, paired with 2008 "Cristina" Pinot Noir, from Don Miguel Vineyard. The fifth course is a cheese course of Burgundy Cheeses with Fig Compote and Plum Mostarda, paired with a 2009 "Mas Cavalls" Pinot Noir from Marimar's Doña Margarita Vineyard on the Sonoma Coast. The final course is the dessert finale, Litchi & Apple Sorbet with Cape Gooseberries and Dragon Fruit, paired with a 2012 "Acero" Kir. About Mirimar Torres Marimar Torres has been involved in the wine business all her life. Born in 1945 in Barcelona, Spain, she is fluent in six languages and holds a degree in Business and Economics from the University of Barcelona. She is also a graduate of the Stanford Executive Program, and studied Enology and Viticulture for a year at the University of California in Davis. At Marimar Estate, she directs the activities at the winery and its two vineyards: Don Miguel, named for her late father, in Sonoma County's Russian River/Green Valley; and Doña Margarita, after her mother, in the Sonoma Coast Appellation. For more information about Marimar Estate Vineyards & Winery, please visit their website atwww.marimarestate.com. About Oceanique Oceanique, celebrating its 25th anniversary in 2014, is one of the Chicago area's finest and most acclaimed restaurants, serving contemporary French-American cuisine in a beautiful, new dining room.  Oceanique's Pastry Chef is Abel Garcia and the Wine Director is Philippe André. The bar area has been expanded and features a new small plates menu to accompany the fine selection of wines, craft beers and artisan cocktails. Guests are encouraged to enjoy a casual meal in the bar area or enjoy the full à la carte and dégustation menus in the dining room. The bar even includes a communal table to encourage single dining or groups. The restaurant is owned by Chef Mark Grosz and his wife, Renée André. Chef Grosz worked under the tutelage of renowned chef Jean Banchet from the acclaimed Le Français in Wheeling, Illinois. He further refined his skills in France and Hong Kong.  Oceanique serves dinner from 5:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m., Monday-Thursday and from 5:30 p.m. to 10 p.m. on Friday and Saturday. The restaurant is closed on Sundays. Valet parking is available and all major cards are accepted. A private room is available for group events. For more information or to make reservations, please contact Oceanique at 847-864-3435 or visit the website atwww.oceanique.com. # # #

Tonight's your last chance to enjoy Craft Beer Tuesdays at Prairie Grass Cafe in Northbrook

Prairie Grass Cafe, located at 601 Skokie Boulevard in Northbrook, Ill. (telephone 847-205-4433), continues its special October craft beer celebration tonight (Tuesday, October 29) featuring Goose Island Brewery.

Beginning at 5 p.m., Prairie Grass Cafe guests aged 21 and over will be offered complimentary 2-oz. tastings of three featured craft beers ($10 minimum food order is required).

 

The mainstay of Chicago craft brewing, Goose Island opened it’s doors in 1988. Founder John Hall knew that Chicago’s great water source would allow him to brew beers to rival the great European beverages. Tonight’s selections mimic those of Germany, England and Belgium.

 

Featured beers:

Harvest Ale

Brewed in honor of the Harvest season this copper colored ESB is made with Cascade hops and the richest Midwestern malts. A fruity American hop aroma and a toasty malt character make Goose Island Harvest Ale an extra special beer worthy of your devotion.

12 oz Bottle—$6

Green Line—Pale Ale

Green Line Pale Ale is the beer at the heart of Goose Island's environmental sustainability initiative. A honey-colored, immensely sessionable American pale ale with a pronounced, bright, American hop aroma and citrus flavor.

 

16 oz Draft  -  $5

Matilda—Belgian Style Ale

Wild in character, with a slightly fruity aroma and a spicy yeast flavor that is as unique as it is satisfying – Matilda is an intriguing choice for beer and wine lovers alike. Dry and quenching, it’s the perfect accompaniment at the dining table or for casually socializing at the bar

12 oz Bottle—$7.5

 

 

Oceanique To Host Dourthe Bordeaux Wine Dinner, September 30

Oceanique Restaurant, 505 Main Street, Evanston, Illinois (847-864-3435), will host a special wine dinner at 7:30 p.m., Monday, September 30, 2013, featuring the wines of the highly acclaimed Vins & Vignobles Dourthe from Bordeaux, France. Patrick Jestin, President of Dourth, will be the special host, discussing the history of the winery and the uniqueness and quality of the wines. The dinner will feature a 6-course menu prepared by chef/owner Mark Grosz. The price is $195 per person, excluding tax and gratuity.

Dourthe was founded in 1840 and is considered by many to be one of the finest in the Bordeaux region of France. The winery was honored in 2007 as Best Producer of French wine by the international competition of Wine & Spirits. With vineyards in the Médoc, Saint-Estèphe, Pessac-Léognan and Saint-Emilion areas of Bordeaux, Dourthe produces distinctive wines using sustainable methods, with the goal of being standard bearers of the appellation.

"This is going to be an exciting and unique experience," said Oceanique’s wine director, Philippe André. "Dourthe is a very special Bordeaux winemaker in that they own vineyards in several areas of Bordeaux, unlike most Bordeaux vintners who have only one vineyard. Because the Dourthe team is so familiar with the variances in soil and climate of the entire Bordeaux region, they are able to bring subtle knowledge to the process of blending. The result is a collection of wines that are the ultimate expression of Bordeaux."

Dourthe Wine Dinner Menu

Reception

Heirloom Tomato Amuse

Wine: N.V. Thienot Brut  

First Course

Wild Maine Lobster      Buffalo Mozzarella        Basil      AvocadoWine Pairing: 2011 Dourthe La Grande Cuvée Sauvignon Blanc

Second Course Wild Maine Day Boat Scallops    Lobster-Soy Broth    Kimchi      Cilantro

     Wine Pairing: 2010 Château La Garde Blanc – Pessac-Léognan  

Third Course

Organic Faroe Islands    Salmon Butternut Squash Tumeric Leeks    

Port Essence

Wine Pairings: 2010 Château La Garde Rouge – Pessac-Léognan & 2010 Château Belgrave – Haut-Médoc  

Fourth Course

Litchi Sorbet   Fifth Course Prime Filet Mignon Belgian Endive Spinach    Chanterelles

Wine Pairings: 2005 Essence de Dourthe & 2008 Essence de Dourthe  

Sixth Course

Warm Raspberry Tarte Lemon Balm Ice Cream    

About Oceanique

Oceanique, celebrating its 25th anniversary in 2014 (February 5, 2014), is one of the Chicago area’s finest and most acclaimed restaurants, serving contemporary French-American cuisine in a beautiful, new dining room. The restaurant is owned by Chef Mark Grosz and his wife, Renée André. The Pastry Chef is Abel Garcia and the Wine Director is Philippe André. The bar area has been expanded and features a new small plates menu to accompany the fine selection of wines, craft beers and artisan cocktails. Guests are encouraged to enjoy a casual meal in the bar area or enjoy the full à la carte and dégustation menus in the dining room. The bar even includes a communal table to encourage single dining or groups.  

Oceanique serves dinner from 5:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m., Monday-Thursday and from 5:30 p.m. to 10 p.m. on Friday and Saturday. The restaurant is closed on Sundays. Valet parking is available and all major cards are accepted. A private room is available for group events. For more information or to make reservations, please contact Oceanique at 847-864-3435 or visit the website at www.oceanique.com.

# # #  

Oceanique Joins "Evanston Works Together" on WLS TV This Morning

Tune in to WLS-TV, ABC 7 this morning at 11 a.m. for a cooking segment with Evanston pride and Community well-being as main ingredients. As the proud Chef/Owner of Evanston’s premier restaurant Oceanique (505 Main St., Evanston, 847-864-3435), Mark Grosz joins dozens of other Evanston businesses in their support of the Evanston Works Together project.  For the demonstration Grosz will be preparing Warm Day Boat Sea Scallops, a restaurant favorite and staple.

Oceanique has called Evanston home for the past 25 years and with a recently renewed lease and a completely renovated space, Oceanique is ready to embark on 10 more years in its amazing city. Evanston has provided Oceanique with a sparkling and lively social scene within which the restaurant has thrived.

Evanston Works Together is an organization designed to funnel Evanston resources directly back into the community. This month Evanston businesses will encourage Evanstonians to shop and eat locally.  Five percent of all sales made on each Tuesday in August will be donated to Evanston organizations set on making a difference.

The donations will be directed into programs designed to encourage employment and financial stability for Evanston residents. Evanston organizations such as Connections for the Homeless, the YWCA Evanston/North Shore, and Youth Job Center of Evanston, will provide free financial literacy, job-readiness, and job training programs to those in need.

What better way to support Evanston then to enjoy its vibrant and unique local business community. This brilliant collaboration will impact the Evanston community both socially and economically. Come make a difference, shop and dine in Evanston every Tuesday.

Oceanique serves dinner from 5:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m., Monday-Thursday and from 5:30 p.m. to 10 p.m. on Friday and Saturday. The restaurant is closed on Sundays. For more information or to make reservations, please contact Oceanique at 847-864-3435 or visit the website at www.oceanique.com.

Francesca's Restaurants support Lambs Farm

Did you know you can support your community simply by eating at Francesca’s? When you dine at any Francesca’s restaurant during their Eat and Earn promotion, a portion of your bill is donated to a charitable organization in the community.

This Tuesday, March 20, all Francesca’s locations are participating in an Eat and Earn promotion to benefit Lambs Farm, a non-profit organization that helps people with developmental disabilities lead productive and happy lives. When people dine at Francesca’s and either bring in the Eat and Earn flyer about the event or mention Lambs Farm, 15% of the bill will be donated to the organization. For more information on Lambs Farm, visit www.lambsfarm.org. Enjoy a great meal and support a worthy cause by eating at Francesca's today!

For a full list of Francesca's locations, visit www.miafrancesca.com.

Charities interested in learning more about Francesca’s Restaurants Eat and Earn restaurant should contact the manager of their local Francesca’s.